St Thomas
More Catholic Parish Bateman Western
Australia
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The Bateman Story
Geof Gale
W |
eek after week, the spirit of St. Thomas More silently watches a tide of people moving through the church that bears his name. In his day, he was one of the most scintillating and contradictory examples of the Renaissance man – lawyer-statesman, humanist, ascetic, author of Utopia, advocate of equal rights for women, and Roman Catholic martyr.
Of all patron saints, he should appreciate the components that piece together the Bateman Story: a thousand individual stories that reside within the collective memories of its parishioners.
The parishioners bring with them their memories, cultures and traditions, all of which have enriched the parish community.
During quiet times at Mass, we possibly may recall treasured memories of other places of worship where we once attended: small grey churches nestled in green, lush countryside of northern Europe; towering medieval cathedrals; modern glistening temples of worship in Asian cities; ornate Spanish-style churches across the southern Americas; stark white buildings that dot the atolls and islands of the South Pacific.
During Mass at St. Thomas More, we may also have in our minds’ eye images of small centres of Christian faith struggling to exist in the face of political and religious intolerance.
These recollections are heightened and made more poignant when we celebrate Christmas. The richness and diversity of traditions and cuisine displayed during this season at Bateman offer a small slice of parishioners’ collective memories of Christmases celebrated elsewhere.
The Bateman Story creates the opportunity to share the richness of our respective cultures and traditions, and to create new traditions for the younger generations. These young people who journey into the world will carry with them the traditions and beliefs that they experienced during their time spent at a multi-racial and ethnically-rich community.
These traditions would be shaped by memories of events and shared experiences at Bateman, such as:
· Christmas Mass in which hundreds of parishioners sit on the grass outside the church during sunset, joyfully celebrating the birth of Christ.
· Children gathered around the altar, watching the preparation of the bread and wine by the priest.
· Australian folk dancing in the courtyard.
· The procession of our Lady around the church.
· Generous parishioners supporting less fortunate communities in Africa, India and Australia, and donating their time and skills to assist others.
· Priests from diverse backgrounds sharing their experiences, humour and wisdom.
This is what the Bateman Story is: a story rich in culture, tradition, activity and diversity, drawn together by the life of a Nazarene carpenter who lived 2,000 years ago, and who through his death and resurrection, unites us all.